About This Place
The West Morass is a marshy depression within Monmouth Battlefield State Park that played a critical role in shaping the battle on June 28, 1778. This wetland area channeled troop movements and served as a natural defensive feature that both armies had to contend with.
Revolutionary Significance
The West Morass was one of the defining terrain features of the Battle of Monmouth. The marshy ground, fed by streams and springs, created a natural barrier that funneled troop movements and made direct frontal assault difficult. Washington used the morass as an anchor for his reformed defensive line, positioning troops so that the wetland protected one flank. British counterattacks had to navigate around or through the marshy ground, disrupting their formations and exposing them to American artillery and musket fire. The morass remains a visible landscape feature within the state park, and interpretive materials explain how the terrain influenced the tactical decisions of both commanders. The preservation of this wetland is essential to understanding why the battle unfolded as it did.
Location
Within Monmouth Battlefield State Park, Manalapan, NJ 07726
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Events at This Location
1778
Franco-American Alliance AnnouncedMarquis de Lafayette
1778
Valley Forge Training Tested at MonmouthFriedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton
1778
British March from Philadelphia to New YorkSir Henry Clinton, Charles Cornwallis
1778
New Jersey Militia Harasses British MarchSir Henry Clinton
1778
Continental Army Departs Valley ForgeSir Henry Clinton, Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben
1778
War Council at HopewellGeorge Washington, Charles Lee, Anthony Wayne
1778
Lee Demands Advance CommandCharles Lee, Marquis de Lafayette, George Washington
1778
1778
Battle of MonmouthGeorge Washington, Charles Lee, Sir Henry Clinton
1778
Molly Pitcher at the CannonMary Ludwig Hays (Molly Pitcher)
1778
Washington Confronts Lee on the BattlefieldGeorge Washington, Charles Lee, Marquis de Lafayette
1778
Heat Casualties at MonmouthMary Ludwig Hays (Molly Pitcher)
1778
Lee's Retreat at MonmouthMarquis de Lafayette, Charles Lee, Anthony Wayne
1778
Artillery Duel at MonmouthGeorge Washington, Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben
1778
British Grenadier Attacks RepulsedCharles Cornwallis, Anthony Wayne, Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben
1778
Hamilton's Horse Shot at MonmouthAlexander Hamilton, George Washington
1778
Washington Reforms the American LineGeorge Washington, Anthony Wayne, Alexander Hamilton
1778
British Night Withdrawal After MonmouthSir Henry Clinton, Charles Cornwallis
1778
Court-Martial of Charles LeeCharles Lee, George Washington, Anthony Wayne
1779
Steuben's Blue Book PublishedFriedrich Wilhelm von Steuben